Monday, December 19, 2011

Ice Danger

Another excellent e mail from my friend with the wit.

I did not know this...

When you drink vodka over ice, it can give you kidney failure.
When you drink rum over ice, it can give you liver failure.

When you drink whiskey over ice, it can give you heart problems.
When you drink gin over ice, it can give you brain problems.

Apparently, ice is really bad for you.
Warn all your friends.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Prayer Requests From VOM

"Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness." - Andrew Murray

"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:18



VOM-USA Prayer Update for December 16, 2011
On Wed. Dec 14 2011 at 02:12 PM Moderator wrote:
Syria--Regime Change Bad News for Christians
Sources: Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin, VOM Contacts

Romans 9:7-9

A regime change in Syria would almost certainly have negative effects on Christians, according to observers of the country's political situation. The Syrian uprising is "not about 'democracy' as the West knows it," wrote Elisabeth Kendal in the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin. "It is about restoring [Sunni Muslim domination], Arab hegemony and the Islamic order to Syria." During the uprising, Syrian Christians have been forced from their homes and Christian businesses burned. Protestors at one event reportedly chanted, "The Alawites to the grave and the Christians to Beirut." While VOM-supported evangelists have long faced harassment and other difficulties while sharing the gospel, many fear that a change in Syria's leadership could raise anti-Christian persecution to levels seen in Iran. Please pray for the protection and perseverance of God's children in Syria.

Uzbekistan--Christians Warned to Stop Evangelism
Source: Forum 18 News

Exodus 18:7-9

Authorities in Angren, Uzbekistan, warned local churches in November to cease proselytism and missionary activities and to stop allowing children to participate in worship meetings. The deputy head of the administration delivered the warning to representatives of the Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Presbyterian, Seventh-Day Adventist and Baptist churches on Nov. 2. In addition to being warned about evangelistic work, the church representatives were asked for lists of their churches' members. Area Christians said they will continue to teach their children about their faith. Pray for Christians in Uzbekistan, who face intense pressure from the government.

Burma (Myanmar)--More Violence Against Christian Minority
Sources: Compass Direct News, Kachin News Group

Psalm 149:6-9

Burmese government troops killed civilians, burned houses and arrested a Christian couple in the Christian-majority Kachin state recently. On Wednesday, Nov. 30, one woman was killed and six other villagers injured as soldiers fired four rounds of mortar shells toward civilians in the Tarlawgyi area. Government troops also burned down 10 homes in Nam Wai village and five more in neighboring Hpa Ke village. The attacks followed two explosions that occurred the previous night in the state's capital, Myitkyina, in which one student died and another was injured. Local residents suspect that government agents planted the bombs. Two weeks earlier, on Nov. 13, a powerful explosion killed seven children and three displaced people and injured 16 other children at an orphanage in Myitkyina. Police arrested the Christian couple who run the orphanage in connection with the bombing, even though two of their sons and a grandson were among those killed. The attacks have left civilians in Kachin terrified. An estimated 90 percent of Kachin citizens are Christian. Pray that the government will respond to the needs of Christians in Burma.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Just had to share this from a friend. Go Broncos.
This just in from Broncoland:



Tom Brady, after living a full life, died. When he got to heaven, God was showing him around. They came to a modest little house with a faded Patriots flag in the window. "This house is yours for eternity Tom, said God. "This is very special; not everyone gets a house up here." Tom felt special, indeed, and walked up to his house.



On his way up the porch, he noticed another house just around the ...corner. It was a huge 3-story mansion with Orange and Blue sidewalks and drive ways, a 50 foot tall flagpole with an enormous Broncos logo flag waving, a swimming pool in shape of a horse, a Broncos logo in every window, and a Tim Tebow jersey on the front door.



Tom looked at God and said "God, I'm not trying to be ungrateful, but I have a question. I was an all-pro QB, I won 3 Super Bowls, and I even went to the Hall of Fame."



God said "So what's your point Tom?"



"Well, why does Tim Tebow get a better house than me?"



God chuckled, and said "Tom, that's not Tim's house, it's mine."

Saturday, December 3, 2011

A friend forwarded this to me and I found it amusing and apt. Too large for a FaceBook post, so I thought it would go well here.

Wal-Mart vs. The Morons

1. Americans spend $36,000,000 at Wal-Mart Every hour of every day.

2. This works out to $20,928 profit every minute!

3. Wal-Mart will sell more from January 1 to St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) than Target sells all year.

4. Wal-Mart is bigger than Home Depot + Kroger + Target +Sears + Costco + K-Mart combined.

5. Wal-Mart employs 1.6 million people, is the world's largest private employer, and most speak English.

6. Wal-Mart is the largest company in the history of the world.

7. Wal-Mart now sells more food than Kroger and Safeway combined, and keep in mind they did this in only fifteen years.

8. During this same period, 31 big supermarket chains sought bankruptcy.

9. Wal-Mart now sells more food than any other store in the world.

10. Wal-Mart has approx 3,900 stores in the USA of which 1,906 are Super Centers; this is 1,000 more than it had five years ago.

11. This year 7.2 billion different purchasing experiences will occur at Wal-Mart stores. (Earth's population is approximately 6.5 Billion.)

12. 90% of all Americans live within fifteen miles of a Wal-Mart.

You may think that I am complaining, but I am really laying the ground work for suggesting that MAYBE we should hire the guys who run Wal-Mart to fix the economy.

This should be read and understood by all Americans Democrats, Republicans, EVERYONE!!

To all 535 voting members of the Legislature,

It is now official that the majority of you are corrupt morons:

a.. The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775. You have had 234 years to get it right and it is broke.

b.. Social Security was established in 1935. You have had 74 years to get it right and it is broke.

c.. Fannie Mae was established in 1938. You have had 71 years to get it right and it is broke.

d.. War on Poverty started in 1964. You have had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our money is confiscated each year and transferred to "the poor" and they only want more.

e.. Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965. You have had 44 years to get it right and they are broke.

f.. Freddie Mac was established in 1970. You have had 39 years to get it right and it is broke.

g.. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It has ballooned to 16,000 employees with a budget of $24 billion a year and we import more oil than ever before. You had 32 years to get it right and it is an abysmal failure.

You have FAILED in every "government service" you have shoved down our throats while overspending our tax dollars. Folks, keep this circulating. It is very well stated. Maybe it will end up in the e-mails of some of our "duly elected' (they never read anything) and their staff will clue them in on how Americans feel.


AND


I know what's wrong. We have lost our minds to "Political Correctness" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMERICA: a country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly going without 'needed' meds, and mentally ill without treatment -etc,etc.

Imagine if the *GOVERNMENT* gave 'US' the same support they give to other countries. Sad isn't it?


"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

"If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins." ~ Benjamin Franklin

Thursday, October 6, 2011

The below is a post I did to the brushfire list.

Greetings list,

Wanted to see if anyone out there in brushfire land had any strong opinions on the Hermanater. I have been positively impressed by the interviews I've heard and by the Fox News/Google debate performance. Although I think it unlikely he will win, I am buying his book and making a small donation to his site. Is this vain foolishness on my part? Would you donate to a candidate at this early stage in either time or money?

Although I think Cain looks excellent I just don't think he'll get the nod. Unfortunate. At least there's StarBucks.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Found some interesting articles I thought I would share here. First is this which speaks of the killing of terrorists. The point is made that although the recent string of slayings by the U.S. is helpful in battling terrorism there is still a long way to go.

This one talks about the President calling America soft and offering to whip the country into shape. Apart from my dislike of the President's economic policies I am troubled by his request to sacrifice without having a solid goal in mind. Sacrificing to lose ten pounds, or save two hundred dollars a month, or pay off a particular loan makes sense because you have a measurable goal to check your progress against. Sacrificing to rid the world of hunger or help out those less fortunate then yourself as the government defines them is another matter. While one might be willing to do the former, how would we determine the progress? With the latter there is the additional question of why I should be made to be charitable to others. I have just seen to many living off the dole, and the disensentives for people to get back to work once on said dole.

Finally there is this little gem on the problem of evil. Most interesting.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The End of the Am Ex Death March

For the last several weeks I have been working overtime in order to start getting a handle on my debt. Yesterday I succeeded in finishing my alotted overtime, bringing an end to what I have called the Am Ex death march. The work seemed overwhelming at times, but in the end I think doing it was a good choice. Working the OT allowed me to become more comfortable with my job in general, and the extra funds will help in chipping away at the debt snowball.

In regards to the snowball I am making progress. I have lowered my spending by eatting at home more and out less, and have turned a deaf ear to Amazon ads. I havealso started saving on a monthly basis, which I hope will encourage me as I see the funds rise over time.

Apart from work life goes well enough. I have spent this weekend reconnecting with friends, and today has been spent in regrouping for the week ahead. I am thinking about attending church again, but will probably not be able to start until next weekend or the follwoing. Starting to go again will be helpful I think.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The King of the Lanes... Or Not

While bowling makes for a good hangover cure I suspect my plan to ditch the IRS and become a professional bowler might be a bit premature. Considering I haven't been bowling for nine years my scores of 55, 28, and 49 are okay. I had agreed to be in a league, but believe that bowling for me is like the bouncing castles were as a kid- good about once a year, but more then that can be a bit old.

Nevertheless it was a great time. The folks to our left were a riot, and our group made for good company. Hope got two strikes, considering it was her first time bowling ever I thought that was fairly decent. Chris and Christine had an enjoyable time it seemed. All in all fun times.

Bowling and the Rockies

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the Rockies vs. the Dodgers. The game was excellent, although finding one's way about the stadium can be an adventure all on its own. Left at the end of the 9th inning with the game tied as it was insanely hot. Headed over to Chili's with the group and had great food and company.

Going bowling today to recover from yesterday evening. Should be theropudic. Will write later how it goes.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Thoughts From Work and the Week

In an attempt to follow up on the reserection of my social life I have decided to start blogging more often. This past week has gone well. Wednesday night I had a fantastic dinner with Hope and Joe of twice baked potatoes, steak in wine and mushroom sauce, and chicken wrapped in bacon with wine. An excellent way to celebrate the survival of the middle of the week. Hung out with friends at Chili's last night, and having a relaxing weekend before heading back into the fray.

Work is going well, and I am glad at this point I withdrew my letter of resignation. Think things will work out well.

On a side note I had an excellent experience with Chase. Not only is there web site one of the most blind friendly I've seen, but their ATMs are also wonderfully easy to use. Props to them for making their bank so blind friendly.

Finally the below is from work. Enjoy

John Wooden, one of the greatest and wisest college basketball coaches of all time, once said, “Promise yourself to make all your friends know there is something in them that is special and that you value.” It is so easy for us to go through our day-to-day lives without telling those who are closest to us – our colleagues, friends and family – how much we appreciate them.



Generally, appreciation means some blend of thankfulness, admiration, approval or gratitude. It does not take much to show appreciation – perhaps a smile or a simple thank you. Those two small words can mean so much, yet when is the last time you heard them or used them?



I know we have special events and holidays to show those in our lives we care about them. But don’t wait. Take the time to show and tell your family, friends and co-workers that you value them. Like coach Wooden, I won’t miss this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in making SB/SE successful.



The chance to show appreciation can pass quickly, in the blink of an eye; it is up to us to not miss the opportunity to make someone feel valued and appreciated.



Faris
SB/SE Commissioner Faris Fink

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Thoughts From Work

Got the below at work, and thought I'd share. Hope you enjoy it.

 
Studies show that a dose of fun in the workplace improves communication and creates energy; employees who enjoy their jobs are more enthusiastic and engaged.
At a recent town hall meeting in Iowa, I talked about having fun at work. I reminded the attendees that the ability to have fun starts with each of us
as individuals. Laughing a little each day not only gives us a relief from some of the daily pressures but can easily be shared with those around us. 

Colin Powell once said: "Have fun in your command. Don't always run at a breakneck pace. Take leave when you've earned it: Spend time with your families.
Corollary: surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard." 

Like the retired general, I've discovered that people who make time for fun and approach other priorities with the same passion as their work are often
the most effective individuals. 

So, let’s follow the general’s “orders” and not just work hard, but take the time to laugh a little every day. Let’s strive to achieve balance in our lives
and have some fun doing it. 

Saturday, May 14, 2011

The Doctor, Saltgrass, and Life

I am pleased to note that my doctor's appointment today went as well as could be expected. A cleaning of my prosthetic was all that was needed, and I was able to bump out the replacement until 11-21. All in all a good result.

I then ate an excellent meal at the Saltgrass Steak House- an outstanding rib eye steak with blue cheese butter and fries with ranch. A glass of wine to top it off combined with a bowl of great potato soup made it a meal to remember. Also our waiter Chris was a god among men, and was witty and sly. Ellis (he of great wit) and I were able to have excellent one liners with him.

As for life I am well enough. Trying to make work more enjoyable. Finally dropped out of the Union. Feel it promotes sub optimal performance and disagree with it philosophically.

Looking for a new apartment to live in, but everything I'm finding is above my price range. Not sure how long the IRS gig will last, but when/if it ends I would like to stay in Denver. Not sure exactly what to do, as I need to come to a conclusion within the next week or so.

Finally bought a Mac Mini. Like it well enough, but it doubled my credit card bill (curses) so am thinking I will return it until I can have a bit more solid of a financial footing under me.

Ruling the world, and looking good doing it!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Computer

A friend shared this and I just had to follow in his footsteps.

SPANISH...

unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

 'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa..'

'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'

A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female,

and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun.

Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

  
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:

1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;

2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;

3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and

4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.

 (THIS GETS BETTER!)

  
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador'), because:

1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;

2 They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;

3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and

4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

The women won!  

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The Purple Bunny

For those of you unaware I have a great affection for the Vorpal Bunny of Monty Python fame. Imagine my dismay when I found myself being Sir Bores in the battle. *sigh* At least victory will in the end be mine when I use the Holy Hand Grenade.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Music, TIPS, and Unions

After surviving another week in the trenches I have enjoyed a relaxing weekend- yesterday was spent on the couch and baking and today I went to a friend's recital. The latter went extremely well, and I got to interact with some friends. All in all a great way to prep for the week.

I also had an amusing experience the other week. I had gotten home and consumed a bit much of the fermented juniper berry. Now some would have gone on Apple's web site and bought a new computer. I on the other hand go to the Treasury's web site and buy government debt. *sigh*

Finally I am following with interest the happenings in Wisconcen. I find the Union's demands completely unreasonable- gasp you mean we have to start *paying* for our retirement?! How unfair! How mean!

Obviously they have never heard of interest rates or debt either. I do wish the economic illiterate and those with a victimhood entitlement mentality would whine and bitch less and do more. You can read an article with such whining here.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Thoughts from work, the weekend, and a valid point

The weekend for me started off with a bang, as I ate an excellent meal on Friday night with a colleague at Wyncoops- a delightful spread of buffalo meatloaf and calamari. I subsequently worked overtime, which was quite relaxing, considering we were working cases as opposed to dealing with the non taxpayers we normally deal with.

I am spending an enjoyable Sunday relaxing and recharging the batteries for tomorrow, and enjoying a drop or two of gin in the process.

I must insert an excellent article which speaks about the need to be a soldier, as opposed to an entertainer, for the Gospel. I hope you will find it edifying.

Finally there is an article from work, which I wished to share. Enjoy.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. – Jimmy Johnson, two-time Super Bowl-winning coach 

This year’s Super Bowl is no ordinary contest. The game pits two of the most storied NFL franchises: the legendary Green Bay Packers, winners of the first
two Super Bowls, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, going for their seventh title. 

So how did they do it? How have these two teams consistently risen above the rest – in short, what makes them extraordinary? I believe it’s the little things
– whether it’s extra time in the weight room, the additional hour spent studying game film, or working out longer on the practice field that turned these
teams into winners. 

In our workplace, the little extras make a difference, too. Did you go the extra yard by thoroughly answering your customer’s questions with a smile or
by spending a few extra minutes to find the best way to solve your customer’s problem? Maybe you made a special effort to thank and recognize someone that
helped you. 

While we most likely will never play in the Super Bowl, we do have our own tradition of excellence here in SB/SE. Faris and I believe that’s due to your
commitment to go above and beyond what it takes to achieve our business goals. You take ordinary efforts and make them extraordinary. 

So, what little extra did you do today? 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Word Play

I received the below from a friend and found it so amusing I simply had to share it here. Enjoy.

Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to take any word from the dictionary,alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter,
and supply a new definition.

Here are the winners:

1.Cashtration(n.): The act of buying a house,which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2.Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

3.Intaxicaton: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4.Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5.Bozone( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of
breaking down in the near future.

6Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid..

7.Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high

8.Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9.Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10.Osteopornosis: A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

11.Karmageddon: It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious
bummer.

12.Decafalon(n.): The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13.Glibido: All talk and no action.

14.Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15.Arachnoleptic Fit(n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spiderweb.

16.Beelzebug(n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17.Caterpallor( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

-------------------------------------------------
The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common
words.

And the winners are:

1.Coffee, n. The person upon whom one coughs.

2.Flabbergasted, adj. Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

3.Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

4.Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.

5.Willy-nilly, adj. Impotent.

6.Negligent, adj. Absentmindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

7.Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.

8.Gargoyle, n. Olive-flavored mouthwash.

9.Flatulence, n. Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

10.Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

11.Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.

12.Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.

13.Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.

14.Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

15.Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

16.Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Chris Rock on Love

This is so true and so entertaining I just had to share it here.

Another Day Another Opportunity

The below is from work, and again has a valid point for broader life. Enjoy.

Don't spend your precious time asking, “Why isn't the world a better place?” It will only be time wasted. The question to ask is, “How can I make it better?”
To that there is an answer. – Leo F. Buscaglia 

Leo Buscaglia, a teacher and motivational speaker, was perhaps best known as a “cheerleader for life” because of his positive attitude and appreciation
for all the good life has to offer. He encouraged people to not just point out the problems we face in today’s society, but to look for a way to help;
to not just accept things the way they are, but be part of the solution. 

Here in SB/SE we face challenges and problems everyday. And we are fortunate to have employees who think creatively – who work hard to come up with new
ways to address our ever-changing issues. Working together we figure out answers, or as Buscaglia put it, we develop ways to make it better. 

But we all can do more. Don’t miss each day’s opportunity to make your corner of the world a better place. Take the time to make a positive difference in
this sometimes negative world. As Buscaglia wrote, “It is not enough to have lived. We should determine to live for something.”  

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Officially Too Much of a Good Thing

So I have been jesting with friends that since moving to Englewood I have bought enough alcohol from the local store to allow the hard working Ethiopian who owned said store to buy a yacht and take a cruise. Little did I realize that such jests come back to bite us in the most sensitive places in the most unpleasant ways.

I had a small hint that my brave Ethiopian might be taking his time on enjoying those crystal beaches and their delightful amenities when he disappeared shortly after Christmas. I was further confronted with cold hard reality when three weeks later I stopped by after work (thank you Mr. and Mrs. non Taxpayer) for some gin (that nectar of the gods) and lo the door was shut.

Not one to take reality sitting down I ventured forth again the day after my birthday, and finally reality began to slowly sink in when the Bald God and I found the door closed at 4:30pm on a Tuesday.

One would think at this point I would have given up, but I am a faithful soul (or driven, take your pick), so tonight I stride over after work, and finding the door closed again I go in to the next store over. The individuals telling me that my Ethiopian had indeed departed for the crystal sands, never to return, finally has driven the point home.

So what do I do? Ordered from the Liquor Barn.

Victory is always mine.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The below article is from work, and I find the point a valid one- hence my sharing it here. Enjoy.

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. – Colin Powell 

I saw an interesting news item the other day. The World Association of Chefs recently named Mark Morgan as one of the three best pastry chefs in the world.


Why am I bringing up pastry chefs? Not because of a sweet tooth. It’s because pastry chef wasn’t the occupation listed for Morgan – or should I say “Master
Sgt. Morgan.” The culinary expert is an Army ranger who has completed six tours of duty – two in Iraq and four in Afghanistan – and a recipient of the
Bronze Star.

I believe the sergeant chef would agree there is no single path to excellence. By taking advantage of the many opportunities afforded us, we can increase
our chances for success. Don’t put off reaching your goals until “after the holidays” or the ever-popular “after retirement.” Take that first step today
to reach tomorrow’s dreams.

We all have talents outside of our job description that can expand our horizons in and outside the workplace. Morgan is a decorated soldier who makes world-class
pastries by mixing perseverance and pride in his work. It’s a winning recipe we all can follow.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Exciting calls, a long weekend, and spam

The more time I spend at my job the more convinced I am that most people in this great country of our are absolute nutbars. I begin to think a book of humor on some of the calls I have received after working for seven months for my current employer would be a good money making venture.

A freind sent me the below, which I simply have to share.

For all of you out there who've had to deal with an irate customer, this one is for you. It's a classic! In tribute to those 'special' customers we all
love! 

An award should go to the United Airlines gate agent in Denver for being smart and funny, and making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably
deserved to fly as cargo. 

A crowded United flight was canceled. A single agent was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way
to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, "I HAVE to be on this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS." The agent replied, "I'm sorry
sir. I'll be happy to try to help you, but I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed.
He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, "Do you have any idea who I am?" 

Without hesitating, the gate agent smiled and grabbed her public address microphone. "May I have your attention please?" she began, her voice bellowing
throughout the terminal. "We have a passenger here at the gate WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to the
gate." 

With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore, F*** you!" 

Without flinching, she smiled and said, "I'm sorry, sir, but you'll have to stand in line for that, too."

As for life things go fairly well. Trying to maintain a good social life and not let work consume my soul. Recently bought Slice by Five for Fighting from www.amazon.com. This is an excellent album and I would recommemd it to everyone. Apart from that planning on a few weeks of celebrating my birth- first here in Denver on the 22nd, and then the first weekend next month in Colorado Springs, and perhaps the weekend of President's Day as well. You know when it's my birth we're celebrating it's bound to be a party and a good one. :)

Friday, January 14, 2011

Dragon Warrior

Tonight while trying to relax from an attack of real world dragons I came across this series of tunes from the old NES Dragon Warrior game. For those of you who did not know me when I was 9 I took great and extreme enjoyment from this game. I swear it was the best $35 my parents ever spent, when taken into account how many hours I spent playing that game. When I played it I was the strong warrior carrying off the princess and slaying the dragons, a role I still enjoy playing to this day.

I like to think that such (at this point) such simple tunes can still inspire the Dragon Warrior inside me.

I share it with you as an insight into my inner being.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Anniversaries, Braille, and the Holidays

Today would have marked the fourth anniversary of Sueanne and my being wed. Unfortunately due to choices last year this is not the case today, but I am filled with sorrow at what was lost, particularly as I listen to this. I keep thinking things will get better, and they gradually are, but there is still a long way to go. I ended up taking a personal day at work, as when I got up I gathered quickly that I was in no state to deal with tax payers, whether on the phone or otherwise, so thought it best to have a down day. This has proven to be a good choice, as I have used the time to heal up a bit and recharge the batteries.

Yesterday was Louis Braille's birthday. He would have been 202. I cannot express what a difference Braille has made in my life, from labeling items around the house, to using it at work and at play, Braille has enriched my life as a blind person. I have to thank the NFB in general and the CCB and Tom Anderson in particular for giving me the drive to complete the learning that was done in high school with Sara Henry. The Warden got me started and the CCB completed a skill set I use every day to my benefit and enjoyment. Celebrating Braille's birthday in this context makes alot of sense, and I hope you will join me in doing so, if belatedly. :)

Finally a quick update. During the holidays I went to Colorado Springs and saw tons of family- reconnecting with my step brother Tim and his delightful soon-to-be wife and song was a particular highlight. I trust now that he and his family are back in Colorado we might see a bit more of each other. Overall Christmas was most enjoyable, and I survived the subsequent week at work with little dmage.

New Year's Eve was enjoyable, thought less so. My local supplier of adult beverages apparently took the week off, so I was left with a bottle of cherry wine to entertain my guests. Then the gods of weather diecded that making Denver into a frozen wasteland the day of New Year's Eve was a good choice. So a party that was supposed to be anywhere from 5-15 people was reduced to myself and the Bald God. Fortunately we had a good time of it, and I am eagerly looking forward to my upcoming birthday party.

Wishing all a happy new year.